Thursday, February 13, 2014

New bishop from Chin, a sign of unity: Archbishop Bo

Newly-ordained Bishop Lucius Hrekung of Hakha will have the pastoral
care of the Chin ethnic minority population to which he belongs.

"A sign of unity for the Church and for the entire nation," said
Archbishop Charles Bo of Yangon during the ordination Mass on February
2, attended by 15 bishops, hundreds of priests and religious, 4,000 lay
Catholics and many Christians of other denominations.

In his homily, Archbishop Bo retraced the journey of Christians in
areas where Chin tribes live.

"The history of the diocese of Hakha is
the story of a 50-year journey of faith of the people. It was launched
by bishops, priests, religious and indigenous laity. Bishop Lucius is
the result of this story, of people who have passed on and witnessed
faith from generation to generation," he said.

Bishop Hrekung has chosen, "Thy kingdom come" as his motto.

"This is your compass, based on faith, and this is his prayer that
will always be good news for everyone," congratulated Archbishop Bo and
warned of the "divisions that weaken the credibility of evangelization".

He said that the Catholic Church embraces all tribes and ethnic groups
in Myanmar – Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Shan, Bamar and others – promoting
harmony in the Christian community and across the nation.

The Archbishop reminded that the journey of faith in the nation was
never without obstacles.

“In 2014, the Church in Myanmar celebrates 500
years of its journey of faith. Our ancestors gave their lives for their
faith. During the dark period of nationalization, the doors were closed
to missionaries. We became weak and lived in fear. Yet we have always
trusted in God."